Get Involved in Voluntary Mediation

Volunteer as a mediator and learn the skills of bringing people together to resolve their problems and differences. A mediator doesn’t take sides but listens to people and encourages them to put across their point of view. Whether you are dealing with family breakdown or disputes between neighbours you can help people to reach a compromise and to improve their lives by finding a positive way out of a difficult situation. The rewards are high as you will be helping people in your community and you will also learn valuable skills to add to your CV and which can be used in a wide range of careers.

Who can Volunteer?

You will need to be calm, patient, flexible and a good listener. You must be non-judgemental, impartial and able to see both sides of an argument. You must be able to put your ego to one side and put the needs of others first.

Mediators need good communication skills and to get on with all kinds of people. They come from all walks of life and reflect the diversity of their local community. It is helpful to have relevant experience and a background in law, counselling, social work or teaching are all beneficial but not necessary. You must also be able to commit time, which usually amounts to several days a year. Cases are often heard during the day so you must be free then or able to arrange time off with your employer.

Because of the sensitive nature of the role you will undergo a selection process, and if chosen a Criminal Records Bureau/Disclosure Scotland background check will take place.

What Groups Need Mediation?

Mediators work with many different types of people within their community. Many mediators work with families going through separation or divorce. There is also a high demand for mediators to work with neighbours in dispute. There are also opportunities to resolve conflicts and reach dispute resolution between members of a community such as landlords and tenants or between people of diverse religions. Another specialised role is in mediating between young people and their families.

What is Involved?

Before you can begin working as a mediator specialised training will be given. This will cover topics such as health and safety, mediation and conflict management, creating trust, confidentiality, presentation skills and equal opportunities. You will also receive training in relevant legislation although mediators do not give clients legal advice.

Your role is to help to resolve differences between both parties and to aim for as positive an outcome as possible. You will usually work in pairs with a co-mediator to reduce the conflict in a situation. Above all you will be seen to be impartial and build a relationship with both parties.

When allocated a case you will initially visit both parties at home. To begin with you will see them separately and take time to identify the problems before moving on to a full meeting. For example with families you may consider such issues as finances, child residency, child contact, property and belongings.

Full meetings are held in a neutral venue and will take place over a period of time working towards a resolution. You will encourage both sides to communicate with each other, suggest possible solutions and help clients to explore all the available options. A key element of your role is to ensure that discussions stay fair and focused, and to reduce tensions and misunderstandings. You are always working towards the best possible outcome for everyone involved. With family disputes you may also spend time listening separately to children.

To help you perform the role you will receive ongoing support. You will liaise with staff and also perhaps with solicitors and courts. You keep detailed casework notes and discuss them with staff. This will also help you to identify when mediation may not be working or be enough and you need to refer a case on. There are also usually regular peer support meetings which you can attend. If you wish it is possible to go on to obtain a qualification in areas such as Family Mediation.